Executive Director

Oswego County Humane Society
Oswego, NY

Position Overview

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the Oswego County Humane Society and is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic direction, daily operations, financial sustainability, and community impact. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees fundraising, grant development, financial management, staff leadership, community partnerships, and organizational growth while ensuring the Society fulfills its mission to improve the lives of companion animals throughout Oswego County.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for all organizational operations, programs, and administrative functions.
• Implement the strategic vision established with the Board of Directors.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable nonprofit regulations, grant requirements, policies, and accreditation standards.
• Prepare reports and attend Board meetings while maintaining regular communication with Board leadership.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, monthly giving, major gifts, planned giving, special events, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, businesses, and community partners.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that support both annual operations and long-term organizational growth.

Grant Development & Management

• Research, prepare, and submit competitive grant proposals to government agencies, foundations, and corporate funders.
• Manage awarded grants, including compliance, reporting, budgets, and project implementation.
• Identify new funding opportunities that expand programs, services, and organizational capacity.

Capital Campaign & Special Projects

• Lead capital campaign planning, donor cultivation, campaign communications, and fundraising efforts for facility improvements and expansion.
• Coordinate major organizational projects, including construction, renovations, strategic initiatives, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, consultants, contractors, and grant-funded capital projects.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Monitor organizational finances and provide regular financial reports to the Board.
• Oversee contracts, organizational policies, risk management, and administrative operations.

Programs & Community Engagement

• Work collaboratively with program staff to ensure high-quality services that advance the organization’s mission.
• Foster partnerships with municipalities, veterinary providers, rescue organizations, businesses, schools, and community agencies.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of the organization through community outreach, media relations, and public speaking.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Support a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Oversee volunteer engagement and encourage meaningful community involvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and nonprofit leadership experience.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible nonprofit management experience, preferably in animal welfare or a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, grant writing, and financial management.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives, capital projects, or organizational growth is strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, donor databases, QuickBooks or comparable accounting software, and standard office technology.

Working Conditions

This position primarily works in an office environment but regularly participates in community meetings, fundraising events, and activities involving animals. Evening, weekend, and occasional holiday work is required to support organizational events and operational needs. The Executive Director must be available to respond to occasional urgent organizational matters outside normal business hours.

SALARY:

This position may be filled as three-quarters time or full time depending on the candidate selected.  Salary for the full time position up to $50,000 annually, DOE, with benefits including vacation, personal leave, and continuing education opportunities.

How to Apply: Submit your resume, cover letter, and copies of relevant certificates directly to INFO@oswegohumane.org